updated 06:45 am EST, Mon December 12, 2011

Google updates Android Market with review filters

Google has tweaked the web-based version of its Android Market. Among the changes is the ability for users to filter reviews by 'helpfulness,' 'newest,' and 'rating.' The function makes it a lot easier for users to make an informed decision about whether to part with their cash, or bother with a free download. Google has now also added the ability to sort through reviews to see the version of the app, or which device the user was using for the review.

With the Android platform relatively fragmented with hardware that comes in all shapes and sizes and different versions of the Android OS, the ability to see the details of a device that the review has been based will be welcomed. When sorting reviews by device, the reviews presented will also be limited to the devices associated with a user's account, again adding to the relevance of searches.

The only filter that has not been added that may also be of benefit when searching for suitable apps is a note about the Android version that is running on any particular device. Regardless, both users and developers are likely to find the new functionality a small, but significant enhancement to the Android Market. [viaPhone Arena]